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Sav.129 [chapter 63]: It is! In the next chapter ;)
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"Cardinal," Mary began. "Thank you for coming on such short notice."
She walked beside Cardinal Leo, Kenna, Greer and Lola behind them as they walked around the gardens.
"I see that God has blessed you, King Francis and France with another child," Leo said.
Mary smiled, turning a little to catch Kenna's eyes. "He's been very... kind in regards to making our family grow."
"Now, your husband seeks to go to war with Spain and Portugal," Leo stated.
Mary nodded. "I agree with his decision."
"But you have doubts?"
"We are put in a difficult position," Mary explained. "Franco-Spanish relations have been flourishing under the marriage of my husband's sister to King Philip. Now that he has cast her aside in favour for his own sibling's child no less, he has broken years of peaceful treaties."
Leo sighed heavily. "Well, within reason. Kings need male heirs and how long has it been since your king's sister bore him a child?"
Mary winced. "She said she... gave birth to stillborn sons and miscarried ever since Catherine's birth. Elisabeth is young, not since passed thirty and he couldn't have been more... understanding of the pressures bestowed upon women? Queens? Even the King and I had trouble in that department, bearing two daughters first in our marriage before James." She shook her head slightly. "What do you know that can ease my mind in regards to settling this war as quietly as possible?"
Leo gave her a small smile. "He is gaining favour with the French Protestants, Majesté."
Mary sighed. "He wishes to take the French throne?"
"Many believe your husband is greedy in his conquest," Leo replied.
"Greedy?" Mary asked, incredulous. "May I remind everyone that I am the Queen of Scotland? England and Ireland were gifted via my cousin to me and in turn, I blessed my husband, as a good wife should, with my countries. My husband is not greedy and anyone who believes so should be told otherwise. We are only claiming what is rightfully ours."
"The Netherlands does not belong to you."
Mary's eyes twitched. "Well, Portugal did not belong to Philip."
"Your Majesty?" Kenna's voice came through. "His Majesty requests your presence in his offices."
Mary nodded. "Your Eminence, continue to enjoy our scenery with my ladies-in-waiting. The Duchess knows her plants and flowers. Perhaps, you could splice some to try in Italy as Lady Castleroy entertains you with her harp."
She kissed his ring and he bowed his head before she left, guards flanking her sides as she returned to the castle. She made her way to the offices, finding Francis surrounded over a table.
"You called for me?"
"Mary," Francis said in greeting. "I was thinking you would want to be a part of strategies."
Mary nodded. "Very well," she said, noting who was in the room.
Robin, as Francis's ward. Bash as Francis's most trusted. Leith as Francis's King's Deputy. Robert, the Duke of Barton as Francis's regent in Scotland and Elizabeth as the English regent.
They all turned their attention to the door when it opened and Elisabeth Valois entered, coming up to the table and saying, "Mother and Claude are with the children. I couldn't sit about, twiddling my thumbs whilst you're planning a war against my former husband."
"Fine," Francis said, pointing at the Franche-Comté region. "Our father gave this region to Philip following Elisabeth's marriage. I want it back. I also want the Netherlands."
"I thought that will be a warning," Bash told him with a slight frown.
"I thought better of it," Francis replied. "I want it."
"Anything else, Your Majesty?" Leith asked lightly. "Perhaps, Portugal?"
"Do not give him ideas!" Mary cried out.
Francis bit his lip. "Actually..."
"Francis..."
"He's appealing to the French Protestants under our noses," Francis told his wife. She knew this. "We can appeal to the Spanish-Portuguese Catholics. Secure the French throne." He turned to Leeza. "We must marry your daughters off immediately."
Leeza's eyes widened. "Their alliances were broken in the divorce," she said. "I've just got my daughters back and now we're selling them to the highest bidders?"
"Not exactly," Francis said. "They will be French citizens." He eyed Bash. "What if Isabella married-"
"Don't. Say. It," Bash said.
"They're half-cousins-"
"First half-cousins," his siblings told him.
Robin paled. "Do you mean to say...?"
"Robin, avert your ears," Bash said.
Robin covered his ears. "Yes, Father."
Bash turned to Francis. "Kenna will never approve-"
"We can annul the marriage after the threat is over. Isabella is Philip's favourite. We marry her and Robin until the war is over. Their marriage will only be a formality to warn Philip that his daughters belong to their mother and he cannot use them as pawns," Francis told his brother and sister. "I wouldn't be asking if it wasn't an option."
Leeza sighed. "Bash?"
"I promised my son he would marry for love," Bash told them. "After how his mother and I were... Cousins are off the table, I am sorry."
"Shouldn't we ask him?" Francis asked. "He's a man soon. If not so already. Thirteen come August, the same age you were when you went to fight your first war on Father's behalf. We can't keep our children as such for long, Bash. Robin is at the age where he is learning how the world works. There is no time for fairytales at this age. It's a reality."
Mary watched as Bash struggled to come up with an answer and she turned to Francis. "Bring this forward to Kenna first."
"They do not have to consummate the marriage," Francis continued quickly to assure the parents. "In name only. Philip will not be able to find a way out of the marriage nor seek an annulment. The Pope will arrive here and will make the marriage secure until everything is over. We can then annul the marriage on the basis of it not being consummated."
Robert finally spoke up. "If my father was still alive, he would agree and would be making moves to convince my sister."
"Who is in agreement?" Francis asked, giving Robert a grateful nod.
"Aye," Robert said.
Elizabeth of England nodded, sipping her drink. "Yes, very well."
"Yes," Leith said after Francis gave him a look.
Francis turned to the parents of said children. "Brother? Sister?"
"Yes," Leeza whispered, her voice breaking.
Bash sighed. "I am overruled then."
Francis nodded apologetically. "I will talk to Pope Clement when he arrives in due course. It is decided. The Pope and Cardinal will oversee the wedding."
"As for battle positions?"
"I will go to the Netherlands with our French army," Francis said, placing the dolphin figurine on top of the country on the map. "Bash, you take the Azores in Portugal with our Anglo-French fleet. Leith, you will go to Burgundy with our Franco-Scots army as Robert remains here." He sighed heavily. "In order to prevent our Protestants taking Philip's side, I will have to have an edict drawn up, handing them territory and rights, strengthening Father's ties to them when he signed the Edict of Nantes. I will bring it forward with Castleroy, ask that he appeal to his Protestant allies."
Bash nodded. "Are we done?"
"Yes," Francis said, not taking his eyes off the figurines.
Bash nodded and all but pulled his son out of the room, Leith following after with Robert joining the blonde as well. Elizabeth picked up the decanter and gave the King a dramatised curtsey before she left. Leeza turned to Francis, sharing a brief glance with Mary.
"You should be resting, wife," Francis said.
"You as well," Mary told him, placing a gentle hand on his cheek.
Leeza nodded. "You are leaving for war soon. You will need to cherish the time you have left with the family."
Francis sighed and turned, placing a hand on Mary's twenty-two-week old bump. "How is the baby?"
"The baby is wondering why their papa lies awake at night," Mary replied softly. "I am worried too. Anxious even but we will win."
Francis kissed her. "I know."
Leeza took his other side, leaning her head against his shoulder. "I am sorry-"
"Leeza-"
"This is all my fault," she whispered. "My nephew is to marry my daughter to protect her and... Years of peace destroyed because of my hastiness."
Francis turned to face her. "Your husband divorced you without your knowledge. Made your daughters illegitimate, ignored claims his mistress was set to cause harm upon you and them. He's a selfish, bitter, old man and I am glad France has a chance to get back at him for all the damage he'd caused during our father's rule. You never should have married him. I'll protect you all now."
Mary smiled proudly at her husband, running her fingers through his blonde curls. "My strong king," she breathed out in awe. "Always protective of his family."
"You are all my strength," Francis told the women. "Not my weakness and these coming months will show everyone what happens when you cross a Valois king."
"Indeed," Leeza said, lifting up a full goblet of wine. "I will drink to that."
...
Robin leaned back in his seat. "There's nothing you can do?"
Bash shook his head. "I'm sorry."
Kenna cupped her son's cheeks, giving him a wry smile. "When this is over, your marriage will be ended and you can marry whoever you wish-"
"The Archduchess of Prussia."
"Robert Francis!" His parents cried out.
Robin grinned wryly. "We're in love."
"It can never happen," Bash told him. "If you were Charles or Henri's son, yes but you're the French King's bastard brother's son. It will never come to be."
Robin sighed. "At least going to war will ease my heartbreak. Perhaps I'll die, married to my cousin no less!"
His parents hit his arms, emitting a cry from his lips.
"Do not say things like that," Kenna said angrily. "You will not die and your father has just convinced me to let you fight beside your uncle. If I had it my way, you will remain here with me and your siblings because I know your father will leave if I want him to or not."
Bash rolled his eyes. "Robert, you will mary Bella and when the war is over, your marriage will be annulled and you will both be free to marry whomever you wish to marry."
"For the love of God, just don't bed her," Kenna told their son, sharing a pointed look with her husband. "Valoises are known to be... well, you don't need to know about that, my Sweetrobin."
Robin tutted. "I know about... that."
"Why do I even try and hide things?" Bash mumbled.
"I can't control my visions, Father," Robin told him. "They just happen. Things I wish I could unsee." He took his mother's hands. "I'm scared, Mama."
Kenna closed her eyes, squeezing her son's hands. "I know you are. I am too."
"Robert," Bash began. "War changes a man. Ideally, I'd not want to expose you to that until you were sixteen but Francis is right. I was barely thirteen when I first took someone's life and since then, there was a darkness inside me that grew and I had to keep feeding it until I almost lost sight of who I was. I wasn't a good husband to your mother back then and I really don't want you to repeat my mistakes. Taking one's life should never be taken lightly but at the same time, your survival is all that counts. Fight for your life, Robert. With all your might, fight for your life and your wish to come home."
"Is there a chance we could... have one last Morning Prayer together as a family?" Robert asked quietly.
Kenna sniffled. "Of course, my darling son."
...
Mary finished brushing Bella's hair, fitting on an ornate headpiece that she lent the girl. She placed her hands on the girl's shoulders and looked at her through the mirror.
"Remember, straight back and kiss the Pope's ring when you meet him," Mary told her niece, gently stroking the girl's cheek. She was terrified, the poor thing. "You know, this marriage isn't for perpetuity?"
"Feels like it," Bella's thick Spanish accent mumbled before her eyes widened. "Majestad."
Mary smiled softly. "When this war is over, so will your marriage be. You will be free to wed another of yours and your mother's choosing, your maidenhood intact."
"I barely know Robin. Dios mío."
"He's a darling, niña," Mary said to her. "He saved Rose's life. You have plenty of time to acquaint yourself with your cousin as a family after the war and no longer spouses. This is only a formality to make your father think twice about what he is doing to France. To your mother's birth country, the country your mother adores and loves so much and he is working to destroy that. I know you love your father but threatening your mother and King Uncle is not wise."
Bella sighed and nodded. "I understand, Your Majestad."
"In private, you must refer to me as your aunt," Mary told her. "I will make sure that you, your sister and your mother are safe."
Bella smiled. "Thank you... Tia Mary."
A while later, Bella and Robin were united in matrimony and Kenna closed her eyes, still in disbelief at the situation. Neither she nor Bash or Leeza could complain. It's not like the children will be married for long. This was just a way to stop Philip in his tracks.
When it was over, Catherine and Leeza took Bella away with the girls as Robin went to his parents, his head bowed.
"You promise that this isn't permanent?" He asked them, taking his mother's outstretched hand.
Bash lifted up his chin. "I promise," he said, kissing his forehead.
Robin nodded and gestured for John to follow him as they left, presumably to spar or go for a horse ride. The boys were growing up and soon, they will both go off to war, John convincing his parents that he wanted to be where Robin was. Robin, his best friend and cousin.
"He looked so sad," Kenna mumbled to Mary, Lola and Greer as they left the Cardinal and Pope with the King and his brother. "I did not imagine my daughter-in-law to be my husband's niece."
"It's better than marrying your own sibling's daughter," Lola told her softly.
Mary nodded. "Kenna, it's not forever," she told her beloved friend. "I've even sent a marriage proposal between the Archduchess of Prussia and Robert. I figured he should get what he wants after being forced to marry his cousin."
Kenna smiled, rolling her eyes. "Of course, he'd go to his favourite aunt."
"And godmother, but who is asking?" Mary teased them. "I would do anything for all of your children. Robin more so as he saved Rose's life all those years ago. If he wants lands, I will make sure he gets them. If he wants marriage, I will organise one of his choosing. If the Archduchess's regent is insulted by our proposal, they will regret being so after I'm done with them."
The women giggled and Mary hugged Kenna.
"We must rest," she said, holding the other woman's hands. "Our babes must be so tired after that ordeal."
Kenna groaned. "Oh, my son got married whilst I was with child. That is not how I saw his wedding day to go."
"His parents are overzealous in making love-"
"Greer? Shut up," Kenna told her before they laughed. "In all seriousness, I can't wait for this to all be over."
"Neither can I," Mary mumbled as they headed to their chambers.
...
Mary woke up early the next morning, finding her husband staring out the window with only his undershorts. She sighed and slipped out of bed, her hair falling over her shoulders as she wrapped her arms around his waist and kissed his back, resting her cheek against it.
"My love?" She called him quietly. "It's still quite early."
Francis nodded. "I know," he said. "Philip is using religion as a cover for an attack against us, appealing to both our Catholics and Protestants. We just need to maintain the balance of religion in all countries under our rule. To stop zealots like Philip destroying everything we've built."
"Francis... I found out that Philip financed the Catholic League," she whispered.
Francis sighed heavily. "Well, I have my faith in Leith to stop them in Burgundy. They believe they can hide. Despicable."
"I have faith in you to lead our countries into victory," Mary told him, coming to stand in front of him. "Look at me."
"I am," he whispered, his eyes meetings hers.
"I am already preparing for a grand feast," she told him with a soft smile. "Your favourite - venison and Persian chicken. The best wine imported from Italy. We shall not mourn but celebrate. Bask in our strength and fruitfulness."
Francis placed his hands on her bump. "I have a feeling that you will be holding a baby when I return."
Mary blushed. "I will try and wait for you."
"Don't," he breathed out. "Either way, you will look beautiful. Your beauty increases by the day. I wish I could have you with me."
"When are you leaving?"
"Three days."
"That soon?"
"We've already set things in motion," Francis replied, going over to the desk.
Mary nodded. "Right. I'll miss you."
"I'll miss you too," he said, coming over to kiss her before returning to the desk and finding something. He retrieved a chain. "I'll need you to keep my rings with you."
"Of course."
"Close to your heart," he told her, slipping them through the chain and clasping it around her neck. "You mean everything to me. You and the children."
Mary beamed happily. "I love you with all my heart. To my last dying breath."
He turned her around and kissed her. "Want to tire me out before we must wake?"
Mary giggled. "I'd want nothing more."
Come morning, Mary attended the chapel with her ladies-in-waiting beside her. She stared at the statue of the Virgin Mary and swallowed deeply.
"Vierge Marie, protect our husbands, sons, nephews and our men as they prepare for this war. Let no woman or child's tears be in vain," Mary prayed, her prayer beads tight in her grip. "Please, look over our men and bring them home to us. In our Lord's name, I pray."
"Amen."
She led the ladies out of the chapel, the Cardinal bowing his head at her to which she responded with her own curtsey. "Your Eminence. Is His Holiness taking an audience?"
"You seek him, my child?"
"I do," Mary replied.
"He is indisposed but you should try again this night," he told her.
"I will. Thank you. I bid you good morn," she said before she and her ladies left.
She smiled when Peter ran up to her. "Mama, Papa asks you to join us in the conservatory!"
Mary chuckled, taking his hands. "Ladies, you are dismissed."
For the purpose of being in public, the women smirked but curtseyed before leaving in different directions. Greer to find her family, Kenna to find hers and Lola to find John and baby him until he was no longer a boy but a man.
Mary gasped when Peter opened the door for them and her eyes met Francis's.
"The girls thought we could make flower arrangements," Francis said, gesturing to all the different colours of flowers around. "I may have been saving them for our anniversary, but seeing as that falls when I am away..." At war.
"Oh, Francis," Mary breathed out happily.